Tebyte

Microsoft still believes in its Windows Mobile platform and even a projected growth of more than 50% per annum for 2008 and 2009. Indeed, the market for smartphones has increased by 52.2% over the past year to reach 12 million units delivered, and this double-digit growth should keep the same pace next year.

According to Eddie Wu, Microsoft OEM managing director for Asia, a growth of 50% for Windows Mobile is the minimum expected. According to Reuters, Microsoft expects to deliver 20 million machines running Windows Mobile at the end of June 2008, and this projection follows the trend of 11 million units sold for the same period last year.

The Asian markets, middle eastern, brasilien, Russian and India are the markets with the fastest growth for smartphones. Europe and the USA still maintain positive growth.

The release of Windows Mobile 7 by the end of the year and partnerships with manufacturers such as Asus HTC or should undoubtedly help Microsoft combat Apple and its iPhone.

via [moconews]